William Joe Shuler

William Joe Shuler, of Springfield, was born New Year's Day, 1923, in Aldrich, Mo., and passed away Easter morning, March 23, 2008, in the Missouri Veterans Home. Bill served his country in the army during World War II. He was a soldier in the 119th AAA Gun Battery under Patton's 3rd Army during his tour of Europe. He returned home and worked 14 years with the Frisco Railroad. Then in 1960 he began his career with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1986. On June 30, 1951, he was united in marriage with Gondy Stamps and they spent the next 56 years happily together. He was an active member at Southminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder. Bill used his God-given talents helping to maintain the church property giving special attention to the many trees around the church. Upon retirement he enjoyed going to auctions, wood-working and collecting antique toys. Bill's favorite pastime was taking day trips with his best friend Gondy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Golden Shuler; sister Louise; two infant sisters; sister Leta McNeely and brother Henry Shuler, all of Aldrich. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gondy, daughter Jo Simkins and husband Don, son Paul and wife Gaye Ann,son David and wife Gina, all of Springfield; son Roger and wife Carol, of Birmingham, Ala.; grandson Brian Simkins and wife Cheryl, Springfield; granddaughter Erin Gerhardt and husband Jeff, of Wyandotte, Mich.; granddaughter Hannah; grandson Blake, grandsons Noah and Jack, all of Springfield; great-grandchildren Mia and Miles Gerhardt; and great-grandson Maddux Simkins. Visitation is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 25, 2008, in the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2008, in Southminster Presbyterian Church, 2245 S. Holland. Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemtery, Aldrich, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to Southminster Presbyterian Church or The Children's Miracle Network, in honor of Bill's grandson, Jack Shuler. Bill's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care he received while at The Elfindale Manor. Also, the family wishes to thank the staff of the Missouri Veterans Home for the care and respect they showed not only to Bill but his family. They are a special group of people who treated the residents the way our veterans who fought for our freedom deserve to be treated.